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Microchip Technology MSL2161DQ
- Part No.:
- MSL2161DQ
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MSL2161DQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR PWM 64TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,748
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Product details
Overview
MSL2161DQ from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-string I²C LED driver IC for LCD backlight and RGB signage applications, featuring 1MHz I²C interface, 12-bit per-string PWM dimming, ±1.5% current accuracy, adaptive DC-DC power optimization via three Efficiency Optimizer (FBO) outputs, and integrated EEPROM for power-up configuration. It drives external MOSFETs to sink up to 350mA per string across -40°C to +105°C.
For engineers reviewing the MSL2161DQ datasheet, MSL2161DQ pinout, MSL2161DQ application, or MSL2161DQ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context on adaptive area dimming, fault detection per string, VSYNC/HSYNC synchronization, and real-time global + individual intensity control - critical for TV, medical display, and automotive A/V backlight designs.
Technical Context
The MSL2161DQ implements an I²C-based 16-channel LED string controller with hardware-synchronized PWM timing using PHI (VSYNC) and GSC (HSYNC) inputs, enabling motion blur reduction through programmable per-string PWM phasing. Its Adaptive SourcePower™ architecture dynamically adjusts up to three external DC-DC supplies via FBO1–FBO3 feedback outputs to minimize voltage overhead while maintaining ±1.5% current matching.
Fault management includes per-string open/short detection (via Sx/Dx sense pairs), over-temperature shutdown at 135°C, and active-low FLTB output. Configuration persistence is enabled by on-chip EEPROM, accessible and writable over I²C, supporting customizable power-on defaults without host MCU intervention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| I²C Interface Speed | 1MHz - enables fast frame-by-frame brightness updates across up to eight daisy-chained devices for active area dimming. |
| LED String Count | 16 parallel strings - supports direct-lit LCD backlights and multi-zone RGB signage with independent control. |
| Per-String Current Accuracy | ±1.5% - ensures uniform luminance across all 16 strings without manual calibration or trimming. |
| PWM Resolution | 12-bit per string + 8-bit global - delivers 4096-step fine-grained dimming plus coarse global scaling for dynamic range extension. |
| Efficiency Optimizer Outputs | 3 FBO pins - each drives feedback node of separate DC-DC supply (e.g., R/G/B rails), reducing power loss by minimizing headroom voltage. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +105°C - qualified for industrial and automotive display environments with no derating required. |
| Current Sense Reference | 500mV ±2.5% - fixed internal reference for Sx pins; sets full-scale LED current via external sense resistor (e.g., 1.43Ω = 350mA). |
Pinout & Package
MSL2161DQ is housed in a 64-pin, 9mm × 9mm × 0.85mm TQFN package with exposed thermal pad (EP), optimized for high-power LED driver thermal dissipation and compact PCB layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| S0–S15 | Source sense inputs | Connect to source of external MOSFET + current sense resistor; regulate LED current at 500mV reference (±2.5%). |
| G0–G15 | Gate drive outputs | Drive gates of external N-channel MOSFETs; max 0.7mA drive strength, rail-to-rail swing up to VIN – 2.5V. |
| D0–D15 | Drain sense inputs | Monitor drain voltage via 10MΩ resistor; detect short-circuit faults above 8V threshold. |
| FBO1–FBO3 | Efficiency Optimizer outputs | Current-source DAC outputs (208–360µA) that adjust feedback nodes of external DC-DC supplies to minimize LED string voltage overhead. |
| SDA/SCL | I²C serial interface | Standard bidirectional I²C bus (1MHz) for configuration, fault readback, and real-time PWM register updates. |
| PHI/GSC | Video sync inputs | PHI accepts 40Hz–10kHz VSYNC; GSC accepts HSYNC up to 2.5MHz - synchronize PWM off-times to eliminate motion blur. |
| FLTB | Fault indicator | Open-drain active-low output asserting on any verified fault (open/short/over-temp); cleared only after reading fault registers. |
| ADDR | Slave address select | Resistor-programmable I²C address (GND = 0x48, VDD = 0x49, etc.) enabling up to eight devices on one bus. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Area Dimming | Enables per-zone contrast enhancement in direct-lit LCD TVs by synchronizing 16-string PWM phasing to video frame timing via PHI/GSC inputs. |
| Per-String Fault Detection | Independent open/short monitoring on all 16 strings via Sx/Dx pairs - eliminates need for external sensing circuitry and reduces BOM count. |
| EEPROM-Based Power-Up Defaults | Stores configuration (PWM registers, FBO settings, fault masks) to retain calibrated behavior across cold starts without host initialization. |
| Three Independent Efficiency Optimizers | FBO1–FBO3 support RGB backlight architectures by dynamically tuning separate boost supplies - improves system efficiency by >15% vs. fixed-voltage supplies. |
| Hardware Motion Blur Reduction | Programmable PWM phase shift per string aligns LED off-time with LCD pixel refresh, eliminating waterfall artifacts in fast-moving content. |
Applications
| Television Backlighting | Medical Instrument Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Direct-lit LCD panel in 4K/8K UHD television requiring local dimming zones for HDR contrast. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED string controller synchronizing 16 zones to VSYNC/HSYNC signals; manages three independent boost supplies for white LED strings. Use Value: Achieves >1,000,000:1 contrast ratio via adaptive area dimming and reduces power consumption by 18% using FBO-driven supply optimization. | Use Scenario: High-reliability surgical monitor with ambient light-adaptive backlight and fault-tolerant operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-aware LED driver with per-string open/short detection and over-temperature shutdown; retains calibrated settings in EEPROM after power cycle. Use Value: Eliminates unannounced backlight failure during procedures via FLTB assertion and register-accessible fault logging. |
| Automotive A/V Displays | Architectural RGB Signage |
Use Scenario: In-vehicle infotainment display operating across -40°C to +105°C ambient with EMI-sensitive environment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C-controlled 16-string driver with robust noise immunity; uses PHI/GSC sync to suppress beat frequencies in moving video. Use Value: Meets AEC-Q200 stress requirements and enables flicker-free video playback under varying engine vibration and temperature conditions. | Use Scenario: Outdoor architectural sign using RGB LED arrays for dynamic color blending and energy-efficient operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Controller for three independent LED strings (R/G/B), each driven by dedicated DC-DC supply tuned by FBO1–FBO3. Use Value: Enables precise white-point stability and >95% color gamut coverage by independently regulating R/G/B string currents and voltages. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED string driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC6983RTQR | 16-channel, 350mA sink driver with SPI interface (25MHz), no built-in EEPROM, single FBO output. | Lacks per-string phase control and triple FBO support; requires external memory for configuration storage. | Preferred when SPI interface and higher clock speed outweigh need for adaptive multi-supply optimization. |
| ISL97693IRTZ-T7A | 16-channel, I²C-compatible driver with 12-bit PWM, but no FBO outputs; relies on fixed-voltage supplies. | No adaptive supply control - limits efficiency in variable-load RGB or high-dynamic-range backlight systems. | Selected for cost-sensitive edge-lit displays where area dimming and supply optimization are not required. |
Compared with TLC6983RTQR and ISL97693IRTZ-T7A, the MSL2161DQ uniquely integrates triple Efficiency Optimizer outputs, EEPROM-based configuration retention, and hardware-synchronized per-string PWM phasing - making it the only option among the three qualified for high-efficiency, fault-resilient, video-synchronized direct-backlight systems.
Availability
MSL2161DQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for television backlighting, medical instrumentation displays, automotive A/V systems, and architectural RGB signage requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MSL2161DQ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full product support, documentation, and qualification for legacy Atmel LED driver portfolios including the MSL2160/MSL2161 family.
The MSL2161DQ belongs to Microchip's high-performance LED backlight controller product line, designed specifically for video-synchronized, multi-zone LCD and signage applications demanding adaptive power optimization, fault resilience, and industrial-grade temperature operation.
FAQ
What interface protocol does the MSL2161DQ use, and what is its maximum speed?
The MSL2161DQ uses a standard I²C interface operating at up to 1MHz. This allows reliable communication with host microcontrollers while supporting daisy-chaining of up to eight devices on a single bus for coordinated frame-by-frame LED intensity updates. The MSL2161DQ does not support SPI or SMBus natively - that functionality is exclusive to the pin-compatible MSL2160DQ variant.
How does the MSL2161DQ achieve adaptive power optimization for LED strings?
The MSL2161DQ achieves adaptive power optimization through three dedicated Efficiency Optimizer (FBO1–FBO3) current-source DAC outputs. Each FBO pin drives the feedback node of an external DC-DC supply, dynamically adjusting its output voltage to the minimum required to maintain accurate LED current - reducing power loss and heat generation. This is implemented in the MSL2161DQ without requiring external controllers or complex firmware logic.
Does the MSL2161DQ support per-string fault detection, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the MSL2161DQ supports per-string open-circuit and short-circuit fault detection on all 16 LED channels. It uses dedicated source-sense (S0–S15) and drain-sense (D0–D15) pins to monitor voltage thresholds: open-circuit detection triggers when gate drive is active but source voltage exceeds 500mV, and short-circuit detection activates when drain voltage exceeds 8V. Fault status is reported via the FLTB pin and readable through I²C registers.
Can the MSL2161DQ synchronize LED PWM timing to video signals, and which inputs are used?
Yes, the MSL2161DQ synchronizes LED PWM timing to video signals using two dedicated hardware inputs: PHI (typically connected to VSYNC) accepts 40Hz–10kHz signals, and GSC (typically connected to HSYNC) accepts up to 2.5MHz signals. This synchronization enables motion blur reduction by aligning PWM off-times with LCD pixel refresh cycles - a core capability of the MSL2161DQ in high-end display applications.
What is the role of the on-chip EEPROM in the MSL2161DQ, and how is it accessed?
The on-chip EEPROM in the MSL2161DQ stores power-up default values for PWM registers, FBO settings, fault masks, and device configuration. It is accessed exclusively via the I²C interface - written during development or field calibration and automatically loaded into control registers at power-on when EN is asserted. This eliminates boot-time host MCU initialization and ensures consistent behavior across power cycles, a key feature of the MSL2161DQ.
MSL2161DQ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Adaptive SourcePower™
- Package/Case:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 10.8V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 13.2V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Frequency:
- 20MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight, Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 64-TQFN (9x9)
MSL2161DQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSL2161DQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSL2161DQ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MSL2161DQ reliable?
The price and inventory of MSL2161DQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSL2161DQ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSL2161DQ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSL2161DQ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSL2161DQ?
MSL2161DQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSL2161DQ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MSL2161DQ?
For technical support, including MSL2161DQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSL2161DQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSL2161DQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSL2161DQ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MSL2161DQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSL2161DQ?
All MSL2161DQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSL2161DQ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MSL2161DQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSL2161DQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MSL2161DQ Tags
-
BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations
-
HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology
-
CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology
-
BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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